Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/73

Rh hours.” The discomfited stranger held his peace after that on a subject of which he knew so little.

A warm welcome awaited the travellers at the old home in Earlston. Some of the simple-hearted villagers had formed great ideas of the prosperity of their fellow townsman. His wife had some gilt buttons on one of her gowns, and it was whispered about that Mrs. Carter was so rich that she never wore anything but gold buttons.

In an evil hour, many years before, Mr. Carter’s father had become security for a friend who was a flour-dealer in Earlston. This man, though honest, became bankrupt, and old Mr. Carter was bound to pay the money. It was a heavy load for him to bear, and his son determined to pay it off while on this visit to his old home. He often said he had never done anything that gave him more pleasure. The chief creditor said, when the money was paid him, “This will support me for two years.” When Mr. Carter gave his father the receipts, he exclaimed joyfully, “I can now depart in peace, for I owe no man anything.”

Suretyship has been a great stumbling-block to many Scotchmen, who are led into it by their strong sense of the obligations of friendship. Mr. Carter found his Cousin Thomas, to whom he owed so much of his early education, staggering under a similar burden. His father, too, had become security for a friend, and incurred the obligation of the debt. The old gentleman had just died, and his son was overwhelmed with a debt which he had no means of paying, and his creditor was pressing him sorely. Mr. Carter felt that he owed this cousin what money could never pay, and gladly told him that he would make the payment for him. Mr. Thomas Carter was overcome with gratitude,